Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 2: Genesis 16–50

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Examine the compositional sources, textual witnesses, chronology, and theological significance of Genesis with Pentateuch expert Gordon J. Wenham. Review and evaluate modern critical perspectives on Genesis, and consider the legacy of nineteenth-century “higher critical” understanding of Genesis as an evolutionary document, and its relationship to other ancient Near Eastern creation stories such as the Enûma Eliš. This volume contains an illuminating excursus on the significance of circumcision. Organized for easy reference, Word Biblical Commentaries make an ideal Bible study companion whether you are studying a single passage or a complete biblical book.

Author Bio

Gordon J. Wenham (1943–) is recognized as an expert on the Pentateuch. He studied theology at Cambridge University and went on to do Old Testament research at King’s College, London. He also spent time at Harvard University and in Jerusalem at the Ecole Biblique and the Hebrew University. Along with currently teaching Old Testament at Trinity College, Wenham leads Trinity’s pilgrimages and study tours to the Holy Land. He has held teaching positions and served as visiting lecturer at several institutions around the world.

From 1995 to 2005, Wenham was Professor of Old Testament at the University of Gloucestershire, where he now holds the title Professor Emeritis. Wenham also taught Old Testament at Queen’s University in Belfast.

His old name, Jacob, recalled his past underhand dealings; his new name, Israel, recalled this incident in which he wrestled with God and prevailed. “Thus his renaming as Israel is not merely an honourable accolade, it is itself a valuable gift, a blessing” (Dillmann, 357). Whenever his descendants heard this name, or used it to describe themselves, they were reminded of its origin and of its meaning, that as their father had triumphed in his struggle with men (i.e., Esau and Laban) and with God, so they too could eventually hope to triumph. Within this episode, of course, his new name is a guarantee of a successful meeting with his brother Esau.

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The reference to dawn indicates first that the struggle continued a good while, and second explains why Jacob was unaware of his foe’s identity and indeed took him on. Had he realized that his enemy was divine, he would never have engaged him in a fight.

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So this story of Jacob’s struggle with God summed up for Israel their national destiny. Among all their trials and perplexities in which God seemed to be fighting against them, he was ultimately on their side; indeed, he would triumph, and in his victory, Israel would triumph too.

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Thus the first scene ends in total disaster for all concerned. Hagar has lost her home, Sarai her maid, and Abram his second wife and newborn child.

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Putting their welfare above his daughters’ may have been questionable, but it shows just how committed he was to being a good host.